Lawyer for Dual Citizenship in Atlanta, GA

Compassionate Legal Team Helping Clients with the Dual Citizenship Process and Other Immigration Matters

While many foreign nationals come to the United States of America pursuing a better life and their idea of the American dream, the instability of the U.S. and the complex nature of our immigration laws lead many immigrants to want to maintain dual nationality. Additionally, some American citizens and green card holders in the U.S. may wish to obtain citizenship in another country for reasons like employment, family, or other personal goals. Depending on the countries in question, specific individuals can have citizenship in the United States and a foreign country. In fact, if you want to explore the naturalization process in the United States, it may benefit you to maintain your citizenship in your home country.

The relationship between citizenship laws in two countries can lead to complex immigration issues. Every dual citizenship applicant must satisfy many required documents and other legal requirements. Whether you want Mexican citizenship, United States citizenship, or citizenship of another foreign country, we strongly advise you to seek the legal counsel of experienced immigration lawyers.

Our dedicated team of legal professionals has years of experience representing clients in various immigration matters, including dual citizenship applications, revoking citizenship, naturalization, and more. Whether you are looking to obtain dual citizenship through family immigration, employment-based immigration, or some other means, our compassionate legal team would be proud to assist you every step of the way. To learn more about the benefits of retaining our legal services, please contact our Atlanta law office to schedule your initial consultation with our legal staff today.

What is Dual Citizenship?

Also referred to as dual nationality, dual citizenship is the legal status for individuals who are legal citizens of two countries simultaneously. As dual citizens, these individuals contribute to both nations as any other traditional citizen is expected to while also gaining the benefits and rights of being a citizen of those countries.

Sometimes, when someone naturalizes to a new country, it is because they believe something about the home country was insufficient. But for some people coming to the United States, it may be prudent to maintain their original citizenship of a foreign nation for many reasons, including the precarious nature of the United States immigration system, limited appointment slots and long wait times, and other reasons that may complicate matters. Fortunately, the United States of America does not require that foreign nationals formally renounce their citizenship of their home country if they wish to become citizens of the United States. It is worth noting, however, that some countries do not allow dual citizenship and may require immigrants to renounce their old citizenship.

United States citizens can also maintain legal citizenship in two countries. However, only a small percentage of United States citizens take advantage of this benefit. Citizens can naturalize in a foreign country without risking their United States citizenship. U.S. citizens, including those who have dual nationality, must use their United States passports to enter and leave the U.S. Additionally, dual citizens may also be required by their foreign country to use that nation’s passport to enter or leave that country.

To learn more about dual citizenship, please contact our Georgia law firm.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Obtaining Dual Citizenship?

Dual citizenship has several benefits and unique challenges. Before beginning the immigration process, it is worth familiarizing yourself with some advantages and disadvantages.

Potential benefits of dual citizenship may include the following:
As a citizen of two countries, you are legally allowed to freely travel between those nations and work in them without needing a work permit. Dual citizenship is ideal if you expect to travel between the two countries for work or leisure
Becoming a dual citizen helps individuals connect with multiple cultures and enjoy a multicultural experience in life
Depending on the countries you apply for citizenship, you may be allowed to own land or real estate property in that nation. Some countries only allow you to own land or property if you are a citizen. Having dual citizenship presents unique opportunities
As a citizen of two countries, you can participate in each nation’s politics, including voting or participating in political campaigns. You may even be able to run for public office
United States citizens and the citizens of certain other countries may have access to various government programs, social services, and other benefits for health care, education, welfare, and more

Some of the downsides of dual citizenship can include the following:
Being a dual citizen could limit your employment opportunities in some countries. For example, the U.S. can limit your security clearance if you wish to gain employment with the government
Dual citizens can be subject to taxation in both countries. It is crucial that you have a complete understanding of the tax laws and obligations in each nation to avoid potential penalties and ensure compliance with the law
Some foreign countries require their citizens to serve in military forces. If you are seeking to apply for dual citizenship, it’s essential to be aware of these obligations for military service
There may be legal conflicts that arise when the laws of one country contradict those of another, particularly in the areas of civil rights, property ownership, family matters, LGBT rights, and more
Becoming a dual citizen can be complicated, often more so than the typical naturalization process. Many fees, potential obstacles, and legal requirements must be satisfied. It is often essential to retain the legal counsel of an experienced immigration lawyer

Our immigration law firm represents clients in various issues, including green card applications, deportation defense cases, and the naturalization process. We would be happy to answer any of your questions or concerns about dual citizenship. To speak with a member of our legal team, please contact us and schedule your initial consultation today.

What Are the Dual Citizenship Immigration Laws of the United States?

The immigration laws in America are always changing with every new presidential administration. Currently, U.S. citizens are allowed to maintain citizenship in two countries. You can hold dual citizenship even after taking the oath of allegiance to the United States of America.
The laws of America can sometimes conflict with those of foreign countries. Individuals wishing to obtain dual citizenship could face complex legal issues in such cases.

If you wish to become a U.S. citizen, you must have lived in the United States as a green card holder for at least five years, but this time requirement is reduced to three years if you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen. Other eligibility requirements for becoming a United States citizen include being at least 18 years old, passing a U.S. history and government test, being deemed a person of good moral character, taking an oath of allegiance, and being able to read, write, and speak basic English.

For many people seeking citizenship in the United States, they should retain the legal help of an experienced immigration attorney. The immigration lawyers of our Atlanta law firm provide dedicated and compassionate legal assistance to clients needing our services. To speak with an attorney about your case, please contact us today.

What Other Countries Allow for Dual Citizenship?

Not every country allows for dual citizenship, and some that do may have unique requirements or laws that conflict with those of the U.S. In addition to ensuring your eligibility, you must know each nation’s multiple citizenship allowances. Also, some countries, such as South Korea, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cambodia, only allow dual citizenship by descent based on proof that your ancestors were citizens of the country. Countries that do not allow dual citizenship include China, Austria, and Japan.

The foreign countries that allow dual citizenship with the United States include, but are not limited to, the following:
Albania
Armenia
Australia
Belarus
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Denmark
Djibouti
Egypt
Fiji
Finland
France
Gambia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Kenya
Kosovo
Lebanon
Luxembourg
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Morocco
New Zealand
Nigeria
North Macedonia
Norway
Philippines
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Senegal
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Tonga
Uganda
United Kingdom
And more

The list of countries that allow dual citizenship and the requirements for obtaining citizenship are ever-changing. Additionally, some countries may allow dual citizenship with the United States only under specific conditions. To ensure that you understand the laws and legal requirements for obtaining dual citizenship in your chosen countries, please contact our law offices for legal assistance.

How to Get Mexican Citizenship?

Mexico allows dual citizenship with the United States. There are several ways to obtain Mexican citizenship, each with its own eligibility criteria.

If you were born in Mexico, you should automatically have Mexican citizenship. This legal right also extends to a child born in a foreign country to at least one Mexican parent. Birthright citizenship can be passed down by birthright alone. In some cases, it may be necessary to provide proof of birth registration or birth certificates.

Applying for dual citizenship in Mexico by descent requires that individuals born abroad prove some Mexican ancestry, such as proof that they have Mexican parents.

Foreign nationals with no birthright or bloodline descent with Mexican families may acquire Mexican citizenship through naturalization. The process involves residing in Mexico for at least five years (or two years if you are married to a Mexican citizen). Additionally, applicants for naturalization must fulfill specific other legal requirements, such as passing a test for Mexican history and a language test and submitting the required documents.

How to Apply for Mexican Citizenship by Birthright or Descent?

You will need several legal documents and official forms to apply for Mexican citizenship.
You will need your original birth certificate, especially if you seek to prove your right to citizenship or Mexican descent by birth. Once you have your birth certificate and have filled out the necessary dual citizenship application form, take those documents to your local Mexican consulate.

To obtain Mexican citizenship for minor children, you must follow these steps:
Register the birth of the child
Schedule an appointment to appear with the minor at the Mexican consular office
Proof of the minor’s Mexican nationality by presenting original copies of birth certificates, certificates of nationality, declaration of Mexican nationality, or letters of naturalization
Prove the identity of the minor by providing any of the following documents: school certificate, student-issued ID, U.S. residence card, or official identification issued by the United States federal government

Both parents must consent to allow their minor child to obtain a Mexican passport.

What is the Dual Citizenship Application Process in the United States?

If you are a foreign national living in the United States as a legal permanent resident, you can obtain United States citizenship through naturalization. The immigration process of naturalization begins with filing form N-400 with the necessary documentation and evidence.

You may need the following pieces of evidence for naturalization:
A copy of your green card
A copy of your marriage certificate
Two passport-style photos of yourself
If you have a U.S. citizen spouse, provide evidence of their employment abroad
If you are applying for citizenship based on your military service, you will require form N-426, a copy of military orders, and potentially discharge orders

Our immigration lawyers can help ensure that your forms and evidence meet the required standards. Once your application is processed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices, you will be scheduled for a naturalization interview. The immigration officer will inquire about your background, immigration goals, and application information. You may also be required to take an English test and a civics test unless you qualify you have those requirements waived.

In the naturalization process, you must demonstrate that you are an individual of good character and judgment, have a basic understanding of United States history, understand basic English, and comprehend the ideals and principles of the United States Constitution.

Is it Possible to Lose U.S. Citizenship?

An individual with U.S. citizenship has the right to formally renounce their citizenship.

They may also lose citizenship by other means.

Individuals can lose United States citizenship if they do any of the following:
Acts of treason against the United States — such as levying war against the U.S. or giving aid and comfort to its enemies — can result in losing citizenship in the U.S.
Enter military service for a foreign nation under certain circumstances
In some cases, running for public office in a foreign country can result in losing your United States citizenship

Contact Our Immigration Law Firm to Schedule an In-Depth Case Review with a Dual Citizenship Lawyer in Atlanta Today

If you are seeking dual citizenship, we recommend you retain the professional legal services of an experienced Atlanta immigration lawyer. Our law firm has extensive experience in the practice area of immigration law, and we would be proud to pass along our knowledge and understanding to you, the client.

Many clients come to us with questions or concerns about dual citizenship. We would be happy to lend valuable legal assistance. Remember, immigration laws change constantly, both here in the U.S. and abroad.

Contact our Atlanta law firm to schedule a no-obligation case evaluation with our immigration team today. You can contact us at 678-853-7402.